Lahore, September 1st: She Loves Tech, a global startup and tech competition dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, has returned for its 7th consecutive year in Lahore. Presented by CIRCLE Women Association, a women-led startup, and generously supported by HBL, this year's event also features a collaboration with COLABS.
In a nation where female entrepreneurs make up just one percent of the entrepreneurial landscape, She Loves Tech Pakistan stands as a beacon of change. It proudly ranked among the top 10 rounds globally with the highest number of applications in 2022, out of 70+ participating countries, showcasing its immense impact.
Sadaffe Abid, Founder of CIRCLE Women, passionately expressed her motivation for bringing this competition to Pakistan, stating, "Supporting women entrepreneurs is not merely an option; it is a vital necessity of our time. By bridging the gender gap in entrepreneurship, we unlock the untapped potential and creativity of our women, addressing the challenges of our era. Embracing women in their entrepreneurial endeavors transcends business creation; it builds resilience, uplifts families, empowers generations, and cultivates vibrant communities."
She Loves Tech plays a pivotal role in nurturing young startups and transforming their innovative concepts into tangible realities. It notably offers substantial prize funding of up to $100,000, connecting female entrepreneurs with a network of over 50 ecosystem partners, inspirational role models, and mentors, while enhancing their capabilities through specialized curriculum. The ultimate winner from Pakistan earns a coveted spot at the She Loves Tech Global Finale and Conference in Singapore.
Dr. Sarah Alam, Founder of Tibbi.pk and Winner of She Loves Tech Pakistan 2022, shared her journey, saying, "She Loves Tech made me realize that I'm not alone as a woman entrepreneur. It has given me a community that I can call my own and rely on whenever need be. The guidance provided at the boot camp and by the mentors were monumental in shaping us towards our win."
She Loves Tech Pakistan extended its reach this year, encompassing local rounds in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sukkur, Quetta, Hyderabad, and Gilgit, among the 15 participating cities. Through dedicated outreach efforts, the She Loves Tech Pakistan team ventured into six of these cities, holding rounds on the ground and connecting with startups in person. The aim? To reach and empower 25,000 young women across Pakistan, offering engaging pitches, enlightening panel discussions, inspiring talks, digital boot camps, and workshops tailored to their unique needs.
Building upon the successes of the She Loves Tech Multan and Faisalabad rounds, the She Loves Tech Lahore Round promised an even grander spectacle. This event wasn't just about presentations; it was a platform for forging connections, gaining insights, and propelling entrepreneurial journeys. Under the patronage of Ms. Sumaira Samad, Secretary Women Development Punjab, and with an esteemed panel of judges, including Neha Idrees, Umer Shahzad, Anam Sadiq, Faria Shahid, and Maryam Khan, the event showcased the remarkable keynote speaker, Shehlale Javed Khan, Head of Relationship Management Central HBL. A thought-provoking panel discussion was led by Javeria Fahad, Myra Qureshi, and Samina Amjad.
The chief guest of the event was Ms. Sumaira Samad, Secretary Women Development Punjab. The judges were Neha Idrees Strategy Lead COLABS, Umer Shahzad General Manager Khudi Ventures, Anam Sadiq, Co-Founder EDKASA, Faria Shahid, Head Affluent Segments- HBL and Maryam Khan, Vice president SAWDF. The keynote speaker for the event was Shehlale Javed Khan, Head of Relationship Management Central HBL. The panel discussion was held by Javeria Fahad – Head of Global Marketing Systems Limited, Myra Qureshi – Co Founder Co Natural and Samina Amjad – Head Arfa Karim Foundation.
This event was attended by esteemed media and guests including Dean of Computer Sciences Dr. Asif Moh Owais Rana – Consultant LGU and KCW Nosheen Anwar Azeem -Team Leader Corporate Commercial & Investment Banking Group, Ali Siddiqi – CEO Amal University, Rizwan Anwar Global Youth Ambassador for UN and Chairman Youth Revolution Clan, Pakistan, Mr. Douglas F. David - Chief Human Resource Officer FC College, Mrs. Sadaf Talha – DGM Ecommerce Sapphire Pakistan among many others. Overall, She Loves Tech Lahore Round epitomized the fusion of technology and empowerment, showcasing a future where innovation knows no bounds